North West Archives - Page 8 of 128

19Jul

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Some Masterchef Sh*t – 53two

Expect the unexpected in this thoroughly entertaining comedy drama where two unlikely worlds collide as a result of ‘wanting to do something nice for someone’. Taboo is on the table in this down to earth portrayal of when two strangers meet, whilst at the same time, trying not to make things too weird. The debate around the need for content warnings has become a point of contention in the theatre industry, with many viewing pre-performance advisories as a way of removing the element of surprise and the unexpected. Perhaps a conscious decision then by Liam High’s Some Masterchef Sh*t to omit any such content warnings from the programme information. Despite touching on themes worthy of having them, it’s certainly recommended to go into this play without any prior concepts or anticipation,...

Les Misérables: School Edition – The Renaker Theatre, Z Arts

18Jul

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Les Misérables: School Edition – The Renaker Theatre, Z Arts

This is the second staging of Boublil and Schoenberg’s Les Misérables School Edition for the fabulous Manchester Musical Youth theatre company during its ten years of producing award-winning youth theatre. With a cast of sixty-two talented young performers and directed by the phenomenal Dave Holden they have brought this sensational musical score to life at its finest. Les Misérables: School Edition is based on Victor Hugo’s humongous historical novel of 1862 that covers the twists, turns and tales of the French Revolution. Despite its inherent theme of adversity and misfortune along with the weight of the title, Les Misérables it is not all misery and no-joy-show rather it beautifully brings to stage the profound realities of our deep dark history. This well-known epic story follows...

Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare North Playhouse

17Jul

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare North Playhouse

I have seen the famous Shakesperean comedy “Midsummer Night’s Dream” numerous times, several of these in the wonderful Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. Every time I have seen this play it has been delivered with a different view, a different perspective – in a different way. Although the story remains the same, the journey and the players take on various routes. I have also seen the amateur touring group the Handlebards do this very play, at this very theatre, before in 2023 but knew by seeing this innovative and unpredictable group, that the journey this evening would be unique and refreshing. And it was!! The cast consisted of four females, which in itself was a unique stance in theatre. The cast intermingled with the audience (which disappointingly was only around 60 peo...

16Jul

By Paddy Darnell-WalshNo Comments

North West

Sister Act – Blackpool Opera House

Grab your habits and rush down to the Opera House, because the nuns are in town! Based on the Whoopi Goldberg classic from 1992, the musical version of Sister Act largely stays true to the movie plot. The story follows wannabe singer Deloris Van Cartier’s escape from her gangster boyfriend, as she inadvertently witnesses a murder. Where does she go? Into hiding, as a nun, in a Philadelphia convent – of course! When she struggles to adapt, annoying Mother Superior in the process as she leads her fellow sisters astray, she is tasked with improving the woeful convent choir. Wonderful music from composer Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast), and lyrics by Glenn Slater (School of Rock, Love Never Dies), breathe fresh life and vibrancy to the story. The production boaste...

14Jul

By Louise KershawNo Comments

North West

Dear Eliza – The King’s Arms, Salford

Barbara Diesel’s Dear Eliza, currently touring UK fringe festivals, is a powerful and raw piece of theatre that explores the fear of the effects of mental ill health upon friendship and delves into the conversations that most people find too difficult, too upsetting, too challenging to have. This one woman show presents as a live video recording of responses to letters from one friend to another. Except the letters were never sent; never received. The letters are found hidden away following the suicide of the sender. The impact on Eliza, the recipient, is recorded in response; ironically, never to be received by its intended beneficiary and cleverly pulling the audience into that role. The structure of the piece allows a linear narrative which depicts the friendship between the two y...

Fine Line: A GreySpace Production – The Fitzgerald

13Jul

By Amelia PhillpottsNo Comments

North West

Fine Line: A GreySpace Production – The Fitzgerald

When the stylistic choice is made to produce a play with minimal set, a small cast and a character driven storyline, the pressure of the show falls almost solely on the actors’ ability to work realistically within the space and present a believable yet fascinating relationship to entice the audience. Fine Line: A GreySpace Production manages to excel in its stylistic choice and create a realistic dynamic without crutches of realistic set. The play follows teenager Mil and her counsellor Josie reconnecting by chance after 2 years. This rekindling is inter-spliced with flashbacks to their initial relationship, which constantly blurs the lines between a professional relationship and a deeper emotional connection. As they reminisce about the past, you watch how thei...

13Jul

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

& Juliet – Opera House, Manchester

When this Musical first debuted in Manchester in 2019; I became an immediate fan and I was over the moon when &Juliet announced a UK Tour this year with its first stop at the Manchester Opera House. The vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic is such a feel good musical, you can’t help but love it as it takes you on an exhilarating journey that is both uplifting and deeply entertaining, powered by an incredible back catalogue of hits penned by the legendary Max Martin. From the opening number to the final curtain and cancelling to Justin Timberlake hit ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’, & Juliet is a joyous celebration of self-discovery and empowerment throughout! This new tour features a brand new cast; with Matt Cardle as the Bard himself and the sensational Gerardine Sacdal...

13Jul

By Scot CunninghamNo Comments

North West

I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar – The King’s Arms, Salford

In a packed-out King’s Arms, musical stand-up Holly Redford Jones’ tuneful contribution to Greater Manchester Fringe seeks to answer the question: where have all the lesbian bars gone? Redford Jones instantly draws the audience in with a reassuring stage presence, achieving many laughs through the sardonic delivery of her musings. Social critique remains sharp as well as facetious throughout. The show’s description promises many things- including a celebration of queer women of the past, present and future. It was therefore a missed opportunity for the piece to be noticeably light on sapphic content. Where did all the lesbian bars go? A brief history of the country’s venues- from the 1930s’ Gateways Club to London’s newest joint La Camionera- would have been a welcome inclusion. ...

12Jul

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

The Giant Killers – Royal Court Studio

Leaving behind them a trail of raving reviews as they travel around the country, it is no surprise that Long Lane Theatre keeps impressing. The story is simple enough, but it is brought to us in a way that is both remarkably efficient, funny and educational. Though it is set in the 1800s, something that may put theatregoers off, may they be assured that this production feels as present as the day itself. Each performance has tenacity, complexity and human value and will keep audiences, whether they’re football fans or not, entertained throughout. The studio at Liverpool Royal Court is not a massive space, and noticing the compact nature of The Giant Killers set, neither were any of the touring show’s previous venues. It is testament to the quality of the cast of four per...

12Jul

By Adam WilliamsNo Comments

North West

Dead Dad Show – 53two

I read an article by the comedian Cariad Lloyd about the death of her father. In particular, she wanted to give advice to people on how to approach someone dealing with grief. Her favourite reaction, she said, came from the comic actor Ken Campbell who asked if her dad was going to come and see the show they were performing and she explained he had died and he replied, “Huh, yeah, they have a habit of doing that, dads.” Humour, as opposed to sentimentality or the stock phrase, was, as always, the best policy. Which is the attitude of this rip-roaring, full-on, no-holds barred of a show which is not averse to the odd profanity, contains nudity, cross-dressing but also has a cool satirical edge. It is brash, cocksure you might say, cheeky, confident and it certainly has plenty of s...